The establishment of new downtown developments on Princess Avenue by Brandon University is not merely a realization of Its aspirations to better meet the needs of students and foster “on campus” growth. It is also a confirmation of its commitment to the objective, as outlined in BU’s mission statement, to “serve as a major resource in enriching the quality of life for the people of Brandon and of the rural and remote areas of Manitoba”. Although the development will contain a portion dedicated to academic and learning spaces it will also include a service, retail, and commercial component. This highlights the hopes of both the city and BU that the new development will revitalize downtown Brandon.

Most of the newly acquired area will be devoted to residential space. Senior housing and student residence are in consideration. Here is where this story gets interesting. While a vision has been set for the new property, it hasn’t yet been determined what the realization of that vision should look like. Student or senior’s housing, and how should the commercial and academic components look like? There are a few options that the team behind the development is looking to discuss at on-campus consultations open to all members of the BU community on Tuesday, January 9th in the Louis Riel Room, timings are: 10:00AM to 11:00AM, 11:40AM TO 12:40PM (the free slot), and 2:30PM to 3:30PM. All three sessions will have the same information presented. If you can’t make it, you can share your ideas at https://www.brandonu.ca/downtown/share-your-ideas/.